A toothache or toothache, in most cases, is due to tooth decay, infection or irritation of a tooth. As explained by Medline Plus, the website of the United States National Library of Medicine, “Sometimes the pain you feel in your tooth is actually due to pain in other parts of your body. This is called referred or radiating pain. For example, an earache can sometimes cause a toothache.”
Mayo Clinic, a non-profit entity dedicated to clinical practice, education and research, mentions some of the causes that can cause tooth pain:
- The accumulation of food and debris between the teeth, especially if the teeth are separated.
- Inflammation or infection of the root of a tooth or the gums.
- Trauma to a tooth, such as an injury or even from grinding your teeth.
- Sudden fracture of a tooth or the root of a tooth.
- A crack in the tooth that occurs over time.
- Teeth that are breaking through the gums, such as teething or wisdom teeth that do not have enough room to erupt or develop normally (impacted wisdom teeth).
- A sinus infection that can feel like dental pain.
It is important to follow the recommendations of the dentist to treat this discomfort. Also, there are some homemade options, which can help relieve it. However, they are not a substitute for medical treatment.
The website specialized in personal care Better with Health points out several home remedies to combat toothache:
Rinse with salt water
Although there is no evidence on the effect of this treatment, many people use it to combat toothache.
How to do it?
- In a glass of warm water, dilute a small tablespoon of salt.
- Gargle for 30 seconds at least 3 times a day.
Aloe vera
According to the study Aloe vera: Nature’s soothing healer to periodontal diseasethe use of aloe vera gel may have benefits for oral health. “The results showed encouraging results in the clinical parameters of the role of aloe vera gel as a locally administered drug.”, concluded the investigation.
To take advantage of its benefits, you should take a little aloe vera gel and apply it to the affected area of the mouth, massaging gently for several seconds.
cold compresses
According to research Strategies used to inhibit postoperative swelling following removal of impacted lower third molar, the use of cold compresses can be a measure to relieve toothache. “In the postoperative period, the use of the ice pack is widely recognized for providing good results and helps the patient to cooperate with pharmacological treatments and/or intraoperative strategies in the prevention of edema. All pharmacological therapies used post-surgery are valid, although they differ in the compounds used and their forms of administration”, the study states.
How to do it?
- Take a clean cloth and wrap several ice cubes or soak in cold water and apply to the affected area for 3 to 5 minutes. It is important not to apply it for a long time, as it can be harmful.
- In case of discomfort, interrupt the application of the compress.
Mint tea
According to the website Better with Health, mint tea is characterized by having an active substance, menthol, which has antibacterial and analgesic effects.
How to prepare it?
- Make a mint tea.
- When ready, gargle with the tea for half an hour.
- Repeat the procedure 3 times a day to improve the results.
When should you go to the emergency room?
Mayo Clinic mentions some signs that indicate that a dentist should be consulted immediately:
- Pain that lasts more than a day or two.
- Fever.
- Signs and symptoms of infection, such as swelling, pain when biting, red gums, or foul-smelling discharge.
- Problems breathing or swallowing.
